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PLANS to transform Gosport Discovery Centre into a one-stop shop for a range of services have been approved.

As reported by The News, a £750,000 scheme will see it used by various community groups and be a base for some council services.

I’m delighted to approve this investment which will deliver an exciting development for Gosport residents

Cllr Roy Perry

And it could act as a trial for other libraries to become multi-purpose centres in the future.

It will remain as a library and the council hopes it will get more people reading.

Councillor Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, signed off the plans for investment and says the project will pay for itself after four years.

He said: ‘I’m delighted to approve this investment, which will deliver an exciting development for Gosport residents.

‘It will bring public health, adult and children’s services under one roof, close to public transport links, making it easier and quicker for residents to access the services they need, while retaining the unique value offered by the library itself.

‘These new community-focused services will help to attract more people into a vibrant library to borrow books, use the public computers, access learning, strengthening its place at the heart of the community.

‘In addition, this project will streamline the number of non-library buildings the county council needs to deliver these services in the area.’

Reverend Sean Blackman is taking part in a challenge to read 100 books in 100 days and has welcomed the idea that more people will be using the library facility.

He said: ‘Libraries are an incredible resource and this is an exciting time. They were once known as a place to be silent but now they are transforming into vibrant places.